by Alexia Praks
Hayden laughed sarcastically. “Good luck with that.”
“Well, that is too bad,” Mr. Tachibana said. “Because Sosuke-kun has just agreed to be one of my male models this afternoon. Of course, his sister, Akira-chan, is also one of the female models, as well as your sisters, Alaina and Tara.”
At the mention of the last two, Darcy’s nose flared and his face hardened. Sebastian scowled and said, “That is enough, Mr. Tachibana. We’ve already told you—”
“Oh, and I forgot to mention the young lady Sakura Tanaka has already agreed to be my model for the shoot as well.”
“What?” the brothers shouted out in unison.
Conrad said, “Sakura? She agreed to be part of your female cast?”
Mr. Tachibana looked around at the brothers in satisfaction. They were no doubt shocked all around. “Yes, like I said. The young lady Sakura Tanaka. She has agreed to be my main female model. Oh, you should see her. She’s perfect for most of my outfits. Of course, she’d be shooting with all the eight male models. That is if I could find them.” He narrowed his eyes shrewdly at the brothers, particularly at Nicolas because he was the top dog.
“We’ll do it,” Darcy said without hesitation.
Sebastian chimed in, “When is it? The end of this month, wasn’t it?”
Mr. Tachibana thought that was fast and clasped his hands together. “Marvelous. Thank you so much, everyone, for helping me out.”
It wasn’t long after that when Mr. Tachibana and Ms. Ruka went on their merry way again, with their intended mission accomplished.
“He blackmailed us with Sakura,” Hayden said sourly. “The bastard.”
Tristan laughed. “Well, he’s resourceful; that’s for sure.”
Logan said, “I hope Sakura isn’t going to flip when she finds out we’re to be her co-models.”
Tristan leaned back and smiled. “I heard there’s a bedroom scene. I hope I’ll be paired with Sakura for that. I like bedroom scenes.”
Conrad scowled at his brother. “That’s not going to happen. Maybe Nicolas will get the bedroom scene with Akira. He’s the oldest, and Akira is the most experienced model.”
“Maybe I’ll talk to Mr. Tachibana about it,” Tristan said.
“Not if I get there first, bro,” Logan put in, and the brothers laughed.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 17
Close Encounter
Sakura got up early the next morning before Ned was off to the airport, heading for Los Angeles. She made him some coffee and toast, which they had together. At exactly six o’clock, Ned picked up his small backpack and headed out the door.
“Have a good trip,” she shouted across the corridor.
Ned said over his shoulder, “Don’t get into any more trouble while I’m gone.”
Sakura laughed. “What trouble?” This was followed by a chuckle. A while later, she heard the door shut.
Alone, she looked down at Toby, who was snuggling comfortably on the chair in the corner of the kitchen. She slowly sipped the hot coffee as she pondered about her sudden change in residence. From what she’d seen yesterday, Lady Haruka’s apartment was absolutely beautiful. There was no doubt about that. It was exactly to her taste. She thought if she were to have her own apartment in the future, if she had money, she’d design it exactly how Lady Haruka had designed hers.
She took another sip of the coffee just as she heard her phone ring. She placed the mug down on the table and raced out the kitchen door. She came into her bedroom, picked up the phone that was sitting on her bedside table, and said, “Hello?”
“Sakura?”
Sakura heard the voice and instantly smiled. “Mary!” Then she laughed. “My God, are you back from Europe?”
“Yes, my dear friend, a week ago.”
“How come you didn’t tell me?” Sakura threw herself onto the bed as she stared up at the chandelier. “How’s the morning sickness?”
“The morning sickness is gone, and I swear, Sakura, I look and feel like a bloody balloon. Peter said I look beautiful. He lied. That bastard husband of mine.”
Sakura laughed. “Of course you’re beautiful to him, Mary. It doesn’t matter that you are literally carrying another human life in your belly and you look and feel like a balloon.”
Sakura smiled when she heard her friend laugh loudly on the other side of the line.
“Oh, Sakura. I do miss you. I just wish you’d tell me where you’re staying so we can come visit you.”
Sakura sighed, tears suddenly brewing in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Mary.” She wiped the damn things away with the back of her hand and sniffed a little.
“Sakura, things happen. I just wish you’d trust me a little more. I already told you I won’t tell the brothers if they ask. I mean, I have been keeping it a secret for like nine months now. You know, Uncle James and Aunt Brenda are just heartbroken about you leaving them.”
Sakura felt her heart constrict at the mention of her adopted parents. She closed her eyes and took a shaky breath. The images of them back at the hotel on Saturday night really undid her. She felt weak as once again the sight of their shocked face appeared in her mind’s eye.
She changed the subject. “How was Europe?”
“Awesome!” Mary replied. “You have to do it, Sakura. Go to Europe, I mean.”
“Yes, I have plans for that,” she said. “That is when I have enough savings. I’m a little more than broke at the moment.”
“What do you mean?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I tell you.”
Mary laughed and said, “Try me.”
Sakura did. She told her best friend everything that had happened on Saturday night.
“Holy shit, Sakura!” Mary laughed. “What the heck is wrong with your life? It’s like a soap opera or something.”
“Yeah, well,” Sakura said, getting off the bed and heading out the door. “Welcome to my life.”
“Let me tell you something,” Mary said.
“What?” Sakura asked. She was in the hallway now. She cocked her head and turned the corner into the living room. She frowned. Odd. She could still smell cologne. That unique musky smell she found oddly soothing and alluring.
She came to lay on the sofa and rest her long legs on top of the back.
“The brothers are going to find you sooner rather than later.”
Sakura paused at this and asked, “What do you mean? Just because they saw me Saturday night doesn’t mean they could easily find me in this beautiful city with more than three million people in it.”
Mary laughed. “Well, did I tell you I have psychic power?”
Toby appeared at the door. Sakura waved her hand as invitation. The dog gladly came running to her and hopped onto her belly. Sakura stroked him as Toby make himself comfortable.
“No, you didn’t, and I know you don’t, Mary.”
Sakura heard a big harrumph. “Well, that was a good try, though. Oh, when am I ever going to see you? I want to see you. Can’t we just meet somewhere?”
Sakura blinked and it hit her. She sat up so fast it made her dizzy. “I know!”
“What?”
“I’m going to Hawaii for a fashion shoot end of this month. We can meet there.”
“Sakura. Yes! It’s perfect. I’ll tell Katherine about our plan as well. She’d probably want to join us.”
“Yes,” Sakura said, laughing. “I haven’t seen her or Michael for ages. You do that, and I’ll send you an email about when exactly this photoshoot is so you can book flights.”
“Sure thing,” Mary said.
“Shit!” Sakura muttered once she’d seen the time on the clock. “I’m going to be late.”
“Work?”
“Yes and no,” Sakura said. “I’m expecting someone. He’s helping me move.”
“You’re moving?”
Sakura laughed. “Only temporary. It’s to do with my new job.”
“Oh?”
“Don’t oh me, my dear.
I don’t have time right now. But I will tell you later when I’m free. Okay?”
Mary sighed. “Oh, all right. Take care and don’t you forget to send me that email regarding our catch-up in Hawaii.”
“Yes, yes,” Sakura said. “Kiss, kiss, and say hi to Peter for me. Oh, and Katherine, Jim, and Michael as well. God, I miss them.”
“Will do.”
“Bye now.” With Mary saying good-bye, Sakura hung up. She put Toby down on the floor and headed to her bedroom. It was then she remembered she had to call Melissa to tell her not to come in, as she’d be closing the gallery for a week while Ned was away. Somehow, she wasn’t looking forward to calling the woman.
She turned on her heel and rushed downstairs to the office to make the call before she forgot. A few minutes later, the unpleasant chore done, she headed back up to take a shower. She was done and dressed twenty minutes later. While she waited for Sosuke to arrive, she checked her luggage again to make sure she had all the essentials. She was just finished organizing the office when she saw Sosuke parking his car along the street. She rushed over to open the door for him.
“Ohayo, Sakura-chan,” Sosuke greeted with a warm smile the moment he came in. “I hope I’m not too early.”
Sakura waved his apology aside. “No. I’m usually an early riser. Everything is sorted. Are we leaving now?”
“Traffic is only going to get worse,” he said.
“Yes, that is true.” Sakura rushed over to pick up Toby. “This is Toby, my dog. Are you sure it’s okay for me to take him with me?”
Sosuke laughed. “Oba-chan loves dogs. I’m okay with it. This one isn’t very active, is he?”
At this comment, Sakura glanced at Toby. Sure enough, the dog didn’t look very excited about anything, which was unusual for him. A worried frown appeared on Sakura’s face, and she told herself she’d have to take the dog to see the vet once everything was sorted.
She gave the dog an affectionate pet, then turned to Sosuke. “Shall we?”
At Sosuke’s nod, they left the gallery, Sosuke carrying the heavier baggage.
They arrived at the apartment within thirty minutes, thanks to Sosuke’s expert driving skills and the not so heavy traffic at such an early hour.
“Ohayo,” Akira greeted Sakura the moment the girl stepped into the apartment. “Oh my God, what a beautiful dog!” She rushed over to Sakura and begged for the dog before Sakura could put her bag down. When she handed the sleepy Toby over to her, Akira giggled and stroked the pup. “Oh, you’re so sweet and cute and white and fluffy.”
“There she goes again,” Sosuke commented.
Haruka appeared with a broad smile on her face. Without even a good morning, the woman surprised Sakura by giving her a tight hug.
“Did you sleep well?” Haruka asked.
Sakura nodded, feeling a little overwhelmed that these people were so nice to her. They reminded her of Daddy James and Mom Brenda, and her heart constricted at the thought of her adoptive parents.
Akira frowned and uttered, “What’s the matter?”
Sakura quickly shook her head. “It’s nothing.” With Haruka’s concerned look, she confirmed, “It’s been a while since anyone has been so nice to me.”
At this, Haruka smiled with understanding. Akira laughed and said, “Sakura-chan, you’re making Sosuke blush.”
Sosuke frowned at his sister. Akira ignored the dark look her brother gave her. “Come on. I’ll show you to your room.”
Sakura was more than pleased the moment she saw her room. It was designed in such a way that was both modern and classic at the same time, with a sort of oriental style pastel wallpaper, chandelier, soft warm-toned carpet, and a low wooden Japanese-inspired bed.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Of course it is,” Akira said. “Suits you perfectly.”
Sakura placed her belongings on the floor and thanked Haruka once again for being so considerate. After she’d finished putting her clothing and other personal accessories into drawers, Haruka and Akira showed her around the apartment and then introduced her to the Japanese housekeeper and maid. Then she spent the day with the two women as they introduced her to her new job as Haruka’s personal assistant, which Sakura quickly learned and found she rather liked quite a lot.
It was after dinner and they were having a lovely tea when Sakura asked what else there was in this building.
Akira said, “There’s the gym, the pool, and a beautiful garden on the ground floor.”
“What about the one on top?” Sakura asked curiously.
Akira looked uncomfortable and a bright blush appeared on her cheeks. She cupped her hand and bend over so her aunt and brother wouldn’t be able to hear her as she whispered, “Don’t go there. This guy and his brothers live there. The guy is a dragon. Just like Sosuke.”
Akira’s mind flashed back to that day when she’d snuck in to take a peek at the exotic garden. She hadn’t been careful enough and came to face the dragon, Nicolas Princeton. The man was outrageously naked in all his male glory. The only thing he had on him at the time was his glasses.
Akira immediately shut out what happened next and said to Sakura, “I’ll take you for a tour.”
“That would be great,” Sakura replied.
After Haruka had retired to her room for the night, Akira and Sosuke took Sakura out for the promised tour of the building, along, of course, with Toby. The dog was suddenly very excited and barked loudly as he sprinted about.
They came into the gym, and Sakura eyed the place with interest. The room was large, with various types of equipment such as treadmills, rowers, ellipticals, exercycles, and there was even a place for boxing and weightlifting. Next, the siblings showed her to the swimming pool. It was a large area and had a great view of the street across from the building. Sakura was pleased.
“I’m going to come here to swim,” she said.
Toby was running around the large pool, barking loudly. Akira laughed. “Wow! Toby is getting very excited about something.”
Sosuke said, “This pool gets a lot of use. Everyone who lives here loves it. I recommend early morning if you want the place to yourself.”
“That’s how I like my pool,” Sakura said. “The whole place to myself.”
Akira turned to Sakura. “Don’t trust him, Sakura-chan. Early morning is when Sosuke likes to take a swim. I suggest late at night. No one comes here at this time. Like right now.”
Sakura laughed as the siblings began to argue over the subject, and none noticed the barking had stopped and the culprit dog itself was missing. It was when they were at the elevator that Sakura looked about her. “Toby?”
Akira shrieked, “Toby’s gone! Where is he?”
Sakura began to panic. Sosuke suggested, “Let’s split up and look for him. The dog can’t have gone far.”
The girls nodded, and they parted ways. Sakura found herself climbing upstairs, and in the distance, to her relief, she heard Toby barking excitedly. Worried for her beloved dog’s safety, she took two steps at a time, following the sound of the bark. Finally, she pushed open a door and found herself along the corridor she and Jane had been in yesterday. She searched wildly about her, and in the distance, she saw Toby in the private garden, barking at the penthouse.
“Shit!” she muttered under her breath and rushed along the corridor. She cracked the last door open, slid through, and sprinted to the dog. She picked Toby up and told the dog to quieten down. Toby, however, had other plans. The dog kept barking so loud and with so much excitement that Sakura was sure the residents inside would surely have heard the noise. They would undoubtedly come to investigate any moment now.
A door cracked open. Sakura panicked. She turned on her heel and sprinted back the way she came.
She heard footsteps rushing out into the garden, and Sakura held her breath as she closed the door behind her. Once she knew she hadn’t been spotted, she took in a deep breath, calming her furiously beating heart. She turned her attention
to Toby and put a finger to her lips, telling the dog to stop barking.
Toby did and looked at her curiously. He snuggled his head against her chest with affection.
“Why are you so excited all of a sudden?” she asked the dog, stroking him. She returned her attention to the residents within that penthouse, wondering who the dragon and his brothers were. She turned to her right, moving slightly to the window, and was about to take a peek when Toby barked again. She drew back in a flash, knowing the people—yes, she was sure there was more than one now—would surely come her way if she didn’t shut Toby up.
“It’s now or never,” she whispered under her breath, and then, quick as she could, she sprinted across the corridor.
Oh God! She could feel it. The heavy footsteps. They were definitely coming after her. The thought of being caught suddenly felt awfully sickening to her. She just didn’t know why, but she didn’t want to be caught by the people who were running after her.
She slipped through a door and ran down more stairs. Thank God, Toby had stopped his barking. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have escaped. She went through another door and lost them. She sighed in relief, her heart still pumping loud and fast.
“What were you doing, Toby?” she queried the dog. “You could have gotten me into trouble.”
“You found him.” Sosuke’s voice reached her.
Sakura looked up and smiled. “Yes.”
“Good,” he said. “Shall we go?”
“Akira?”
“She’ll find her way back,” Sosuke said.
The two slipped back into the apartment and waited for Akira to return. The woman did about ten minutes later, her face red and her eyes bright.
She came to slump herself on the sofa with a sour expression on her lovely face. It was only when she saw Toby running to her that she smiled once again.
“Toby, I thought we’d lost you.” Then more quietly to herself, she mumbled, “Or that baka dragon of a person had taken you as prisoner.”
“Would you like some coffee, Akira?” Sakura asked.
“Yes, please,” Akira responded, still thinking about her encounter with the Princeton brothers and her stupid fall with Nicolas.
